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What Are the Best Tips for Buying a Desktop Computer?
Buying a desktop computer becomes easier if the purchaser knows exactly what they want to use it for. The best tips for purchasing a PC include looking at the specifications of the machine, the operating system, the factory installed software and the tasks that the user expects to get out of it. For example, a buyer who wants a computer to play games on and do some basic word processing may look at some different factors than a person who needs a business computer that can edit video applications and perform accounting procedures.
The first thing to look at when buying a desktop computer is the specifications. The speed of a computer is often important if the user wants to be able to run multiple programs at the same time. This is expressed as a number in GHz (gigahertz). The higher this number is, the faster the computer will run. Most mid-range computers have a processor speed between 2.3 and 2.5 GHz. Memory and RAM are the next things a buyer will often look at. If a PC has Microsoft® Windows 7® or Windows Vista® on it, it will require a minimum of 2 GB RAM. Desktop computers often come with even more RAM than this available. The amount of memory for storing data and programs can range from 320 GB to 1 TB on many computers. If the user wants to store large volumes of digital media, such as videos and music, buying a desktop computer with a higher amount of memory is often preferable.
The operating system and factory installed software should be determined when buying a desktop computer. Software is often installed as a trial version, which the buyer will have to purchase once the trial period is over. This can add to the overall cost of the PC, which buyers often overlook. The best desktop computers will come with the latest operating system installed. This includes Windows 7® and Windows Vista® for PCs, and Mac OS X® for Macintosh® computers.
Additional tips for buying a desktop computer include looking at the number of peripherals available. The number of USB ports is often important to users, especially if they intend to use a lot of add-ons like smart phones, MP3 players, routers and other devices in conjunction with the computer. Buyers often look for a computer that is Internet ready, and one that comes with a rewritable DVD drive available. A powerful graphics card can often increase the functionality of a computer, allowing the user to play more modern games and run more sophisticated programs.
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![Before making a purchase, make sure that a computer's technology is up to date.]()
By: Dmitry RukhlenkoBefore making a purchase, make sure that a computer's technology is up to date. -
![Installing additional RAM may help increase computer speed.]()
By: vinsenInstalling additional RAM may help increase computer speed. -
![Getting a computer with a larger tower case will allow it to be upgraded later.]()
By: sergojpgGetting a computer with a larger tower case will allow it to be upgraded later. -
![Making sure the computer's keyboard is comfortable to use is important before purchase.]()
By: Alexey LaputinMaking sure the computer's keyboard is comfortable to use is important before purchase. -
![Macintosh computers and software are the product of Apple Inc.]()
By: tommywyyMacintosh computers and software are the product of Apple Inc.
Discussion Comments
When buying any sort of computer, looking at specifications is always important. Also, even though the article doesn't mention this, it's usually a good idea to stick with what you want, and don't allow others to persuade you. More than often, those who work there may try to convince you to buy cheaper material, with more or less additional features. Though this can seem tempting, always weigh the pros and cons. After all, just because a product has more benefits doesn't always mean it's better.
@Hazali - You do make a lot of good points, especially in relation to desktop computers. In fact, this reminds me of what happened a few years ago. One Monday, it was quite sunny outside, and my family and I went out for a few hours. Apparently, it had rained in our neighborhood, because when we later came back, the desktop was "dead", so to speak.
Apparently, a storm had passed by, and because our computer was left on, it fell victim to the lightning. Since then, we always make sure to unplug the computer when we go out. However, it's still something you need to watch out for. After all, if that happened to be an (unplugged) laptop, it's obvious that would have never happened.
In my opinion, one of the disadvantages of buying a desktop computer is the fact that you can't move it around. For example, unlike laptops, where they can be very mobile, this certainly isn't the case here. Also, because they aren't portable, so to speak, I feel that they're a lot more prone to the weather outside. For example, if you have a laptop plugged in, and it begins to storm outside, all you have to do is unplug it, and continue your work. Since it's not plugged into any sources, no amount of lightning can affect it. On the other hand, unless your desktop computer has a surge protector, it can prove to be quite an issue when storms are outside. You'll have to unplug your device, and wait till the storm passes.
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